NFU Mutual has partnered with leading biosecurity solutions provider, Livetec Systems, to help UK poultry producers better prepare for, and recover from, disease outbreaks.
Following a challenging AI (avian influenza) season, Livetec is providing accurate, farm-specific costings for cleaning and disinfection (C&D) – crucial data that supports proactive disease planning and accurate insurance cover.
Adam Williams, NFU Mutual’s animal disease portfolio manager, explains these insights help producers reduce downtime, return to production faster, and limit the financial impact of an AI outbreak.
“As one of the only insurers still offering AI cover in the UK, NFU Mutual recognises the critical importance of equipping poultry producers with the most current and actionable data to manage the financial risks of disease outbreaks.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with Livetec on this report, which delivers valuable insights into the costs and assumptions surrounding secondary cleaning and disinfection across a range of poultry production systems,” he says.
Forward planning
Commissioned by NFU Mutual, Livetec’s report draws on its operational data from handling recent AI outbreaks, evolving legislation and input from the Animal Plant and Health Agency.
It details the cost of C&D – enabling producers to better plan, meet regulatory requirements, and avoid unnecessary delays during recovery.
“Livetec’s input not only enhances the tools available to our Agents when advising producers, but also strengthens our ability to assess risk, provide meaningful advice and arrange appropriate protection.”
Download the full report: Livetec Systems | Understanding the cost of cleaning after a disease outbreak
NFU members: Save with member exclusive offers from Livetec Systems
While the UK poultry sector benefits from strong biosecurity measures, highly pathogenic strains of AI remain a persistent threat.
Livetec’s findings further highlight the financial value of forward planning – not just to mitigate disease risk, but to manage recovery costs effectively. Dr Paul Talling, biosecurity adviser at Livetec, explains the report covers a variety of poultry systems, from modern broiler sheds to older free-range units.
“It offers practical, cost-effective solutions to help producers manage the real costs of cleaning and disinfection after an outbreak, and demonstrates the savings that can be achieved through well-designed infrastructure and efficient waste handling,” he explains.
“Newer systems, for example, are not only easier to clean but significantly reduce the time and expense involved in waste removal and water management.”
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the long-term resilience of the UK poultry sector through education, planning, and knowledge-sharing,” Dr Talling concludes.
For more information on AI insurance, poultry producers can speak to their NFU Mutual agents.
